Acolyte Ashely Cowell of Astor ends the New Light Methodist Church's first services in DeLand on Sunday by extinguishing the candles used throughout the ceremony. The fledgling church has an agreement with Carpenter-Curry Funeral Home to use its chapel for weekly worship services until the church finds a permanent place.
(SARA A. FAJARDO/ORLANDO SENTINEL)

Chandler tells his congregation: 'First of all, we want to be a place of refuge, of safety, of comfort.' The 57-year-old father of 5, who retired from Trinity United Methodist Church 3 years ago, said he got tired of 'doing nothing' and decided to start his own church.
(SARA A. FAJARDO/ORLANDO SENTINEL)

The Rev. Richard Chandler (left) of New Light Methodist Church in DeLand greets Lauren Babcock, 8, and her mother, Dawn Babcock, after a service Sunday. About 25 people attended the church's first service, filling the pews.
(SARA A. FAJARDO/ORLANDO SENTINEL)